Professional wrestlers who died young

By John Boyd

on April 9, 2014 9:00 AM

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Fans try to touch wrestler Michal Lockwood, aka Crash Holly (left), as he walks off the runway arm in arm with Joanie Laurer, better known as Chyna, during a 2000 WWE at Air Canada Centre, Toronto. Lockwood died in 2003 of an apparent suicide. Laurer was found dead in her home in 2016; reports suggest she may have taken a lethal dose of medication.

Fans try to touch wrestler Michal Lockwood, aka Crash Holly (left), as he walks off the runway arm in arm with Joanie Laurer, better known as Chyna, during a 2000 WWE at Air Canada Centre, Toronto. Lockwood

Jonathan Rechner, more famously known as Balls Mahoney from his ECW days in the late 1990s, died at the age of 43 in April 2016. A cause of death is still undetermined, although police say there was nothing suspicious about his death.

Jonathan Rechner, more famously known as Balls Mahoney from his ECW days in the late 1990s, died at the age of 43 in April 2016. A cause of death is still undetermined, although police say there was nothing

Chris Candido wrestled briefly in the WWF as Skip, but he was much more well-known for his stint in the rough-and-tumble ECW. Candido died at the age of 33 in April 2005 from a blood clot, which was a complication from a surgery. less

Chris Candido wrestled briefly in the WWF as Skip, but he was much more well-known for his stint in the rough-and-tumble ECW. Candido died at the age of 33 in April 2005 from a blood clot, which was a ... more

Photo: ECW

Chris Candido wrestled briefly in the WWF as Skip, but he was much... Photo-9857821.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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Mike Lockwood was better known for his stint in the WWF/WWE as "Crash" Holly. He died at the age of 32 in November 2003 from a suicide by overdose.

Mike Lockwood was better known for his stint in the WWF/WWE as "Crash" Holly. He died at the age of 32 in November 2003 from a suicide by overdose.

Photo: WWE

Mike Lockwood was better known for his stint in the WWF/WWE as... Photo-9858313.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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Michael Hegstrand - Road Warrior Hawk - was one half of the Road Warriors, one of the most famous tag teams in wrestling history. Hegstrand died of a heart attack at age 43 in October 2003.

Michael Hegstrand - Road Warrior Hawk - was one half of the Road Warriors, one of the most famous tag teams in wrestling history. Hegstrand died of a heart attack at age 43 in October 2003.

Curt Hennig, also known as Mr. perfect, died in February 2003 at the age of 44 from cocaine intoxication.

Curt Hennig, also known as Mr. perfect, died in February 2003 at the age of 44 from cocaine intoxication.

Photo: Robert Cianflone, Getty Images

Curt Hennig, also known as Mr. perfect, died in February 2003 at... Photo-6164322.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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David Smith, better known as The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, died in May 2002 at the age of 39 from a heart attack.

David Smith, better known as The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, died in May 2002 at the age of 39 from a heart attack.

Photo: Tim Roney, Getty Images

David Smith, better known as The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith,... Photo-6164325.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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"Gentleman" Chris Adams was well-known for his days in World Class Championship Wrestling in Dallas in the 1980s. He was killed at the age of 46 when he was shot during a fight in a bar in October 2001.

"Gentleman" Chris Adams was well-known for his days in World Class Championship Wrestling in Dallas in the 1980s. He was killed at the age of 46 when he was shot during a fight in a bar in October 2001.

Photo: WCCW

"Gentleman" Chris Adams was well-known for his days in... Photo-9858658.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy was well-known for his role in the Fabulous Freebirds with the Dallas promotion World Class Championship Wrestling. Gordy died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot at age 40 in July 2001. less

Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy was well-known for his role in the Fabulous Freebirds with the Dallas promotion World Class Championship Wrestling. Gordy died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot at age 40 in July ... more

Photo: WCCW

Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy was well-known for his role in the... Photo-9858915.65455 - Houston Chronicle

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Rodney Anoa'i, better knwon as Yokozuna, died on October 2000 at the age of 34 from a pulmonary edema.

Rodney Anoa'i, better knwon as Yokozuna, died on October 2000 at the age of 34 from a pulmonary edema.

Chris Von Erich didn't have as successful a wrestling career as his brothers due to his short stature, but he was part of the famous wrestling family. he killed himself at the age of 21 in September 1991.

Chris Von Erich didn't have as successful a wrestling career as his brothers due to his short stature, but he was part of the famous wrestling family. he killed himself at the age of 21 in September 1991.

David Von Erich was the first Von Erich brother to die young. He died at the age of 25 in February 1984 in Tokyo, Japan. The official doctor's report says David died from acute enteritis, but several wrestlers - including Ric Flair and Mick Foley, say it was a drug overdose that killed him. less

David Von Erich was the first Von Erich brother to die young. He died at the age of 25 in February 1984 in Tokyo, Japan. The official doctor's report says David died from acute enteritis, but several wrestlers ... more